The music industry has a reputation for being hard to break into. The Terry College Music Business Program specializes in removing barriers and opening doors for our students. Whether you’re an aspiring producer, marketer, financial analyst or anywhere in between, we can help you tailor your learning to your goals.

Open to all University of Georgia students, the 21-credit-hour program culminates in a certificate officially recognized on your UGA transcript. Students complete one of two tracks, with curriculum covering the record and concert business, production, publishing and licensing, public relations and promotion, finance and economics of the music industry. 

Students meet with an array of guest lecturers and influential alumni across roles and locations while completing a required capstone course, which includes internship placements in the local Athens music scene. The end result? You’ll leave with the knowledge, connections and experience to confidently kickstart your career in music.

How to Apply

  • The application periods are October 1 – November 1 for fall and February 1 – March 31 for spring.
  • Application is only open to UGA students. Login with your UGA MyID.
  • Ensure your application is correct before submitting. You will not be able to make revisions once submitted.

Admissions + Eligibility

The Music Business Certificate Program is open to all UGA undergraduate majors. Acceptance to the program is at the discretion of an admissions committee made up of MBUS faculty and staff. Prior enrollment in an MBUS elective(s) does not impact program admittance. Only 100 applicants are admitted each year. The certificate requires 21 hours to complete and is typically fulfilled within 2 years.

Admissions Requirements

  • at least 60 undergraduate credit hours
  • minimum 2.8 overall GPA

Coursework

The certificate program curriculum is designed around fundamental business skills and specialized competencies. Courses are taught by program director David Barbe, professor David Lowery and lecturer Andrew Rieger. Courses are often supplemented with guest lecturers from the music industry.

Twenty-one hours of approved coursework is required to complete the Music Business Certificate. Required courses vary depending on your major.

A grade of C- or higher is required for each course from the 21 hours of coursework in order to obtain the certificate.

Business Majors

Non-Business Majors

Notable Employers

Students participate in internships as part of their required coursework for the program. This gives them the potential to be recruited to full-time positions in various sectors of the music industry. Students have joined or gained experience from notable organizations such as:

  • New West Records
  • Live Nation
  • BMG Chrysalis
  • Thirty Tigers
  • Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
  • William Morris Endeavor (WME)
  • ATO Records
  • Red Light Management
  • Warner Music Group
  • 40 Watt Club
  • The Atlanta Symphony
  • Chase Park Transduction Studios
  • Georgia Theatre

Frequently Asked Questions

Corporate Sponsorships

By financially supporting the Music Business Program, you can be a part of a transformational change that MBUS offers future generations of music business leaders.

Current Sponsors

$10,000 Level

  • Georgia Theatre

Upcoming Events